Welcome to the state of the environment report 2013 South Australia

The natural environment, human wellbeing,
and economic progress are strongly linked.
It is therefore important to have good information
about the health of our natural resources and
trends in environmental quality.

Introduction state of the environment report 2013

The outlook for the South Australian environment is
strongly linked to global climate change, ongoing and
future patterns of economic activity as well as to the
effectiveness of the range of measures by government
at all levels, business and industry, the community
and individuals to protect and improve the natural
environment

People and places state of the environment report 2013

Population and economic growth have major impacts
on the environment, particularly in urban areas. South
Australia’s population increased by 4.5% (about 70 000
people) between 2006 and 2011—the largest increase
since the early 1970s. The economy also continued to
grow, fuelled by exports of food and minerals. Nearly
40% of South Australia’s exports are agricultural products
reliant on healthy soils and adequate water.

Climate changestate of the environment report 2013

Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases
continue to increase. In South Australia, emissions per
person have decreased from 2006–07 to 2011–12 but
remain high in comparison with the world average.
Wide-ranging effects of climate change are already being
seen, and more challenging changes are expected. Global
average temperatures rose by just over 0.7° C from 1910
to 2009, with further increases in average and extreme
temperatures expected. Average rainfall has declined
in southern Australia since 1970; this trend is likely
to persist with obvious implications for future water
supplies and agriculture.

Waterstate of the environment report 2013

South Australia’s water resources and trends in water
quantity and quality are critical issues for the state’s
future, particularly given the changes in rainfall expected
as climate change progresses. Since the previous state
of the environment report in 2008, total and per person
water use decreased with water restrictions and more
efficient use. Agriculture remains the largest consumer
of the state’s water. The diversity of water sources has
increased, including wastewater recycling, stormwater
reuse and desalination. South Australia has the highest
percentage of households with rainwater tanks in
Australia.

Biodiversitystate of the environment report 2013

South Australia has many important and endemic species.
The state’s biodiversity has been greatly altered and
affected by historic human activities, including largescale
clearance of vegetation for settlement and farming.
The trend in status of 20 indicator species is variable to
positive and there has been an increase in the number
of recovery plans and actions. However, the status of
threatened species and ecological communities remain
poor and is declining, with the number of threatened
species and ecological communities increasing.

Coastal and marinestate of the environment report 2013

The coast and adjacent marine waters are subject to
a diverse range of pressures including pollution from
wastewater and stormwater, physical development,
commercial and recreational fishing, shipping, and
aquaculture. Better regulation and management
practices have seen a decrease in impacts from aquaculture
from nutrients, disturbance and waste. However, an
assessment of coastal regions found the extent and
condition of coastal ecosystems is highly variable and
declining. In spite of an increase in marine protected
areas, the condition of habitats and species in marine
parks and sanctuary zones is also declining.

What is the state of the environment report?

The state of the environment report, produced by the Environment Protection Authority, assesses the condition of South Australian environmental resources, identifies trends in environmental quality, and reviews the effects of programs and activities that aim to protect, restore and improve the environment.

What has happened in the last 5years?

The 2013 report reveals mixed results in the condition of the state’s natural assets and trends in environmental quality over the last five years.

There is good news—such as sustained growth in generation of renewable energy, more efficient use of water and electricity, and continued increases in recycling.

There is also cause for concern—such as further decline of already poor biodiversity, increased use of natural resources, increased average temperatures, increased development and industrial activity in sensitive areas such as the coastal zone, increased use of private motor vehicles, reduced water flows for the natural environment from the River Murray, and changes in the acidity, salinity and temperature of the marine environment.